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DPChallenge Forums >> Welcome Center >> Comparison of zooms help please!
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 01/24/2012 08:43:37 AM · #1
I have been given two zooms for Christmas the

Sigma 70-300mm f4-5.6 APO DG Macro For Nikon Digital
&
Tamron SP 70-300mm f4-5.6 Di VC USD Lens - Nikon AF

I have a Nikon D3100 and want a zoom to take photos of sports mainly horse riding over jumps which will take place out in the country and indoors. Would either of these lenses be suited to the job or would anyone recommend something else?

all advice welcome!
 01/24/2012 09:06:35 AM · #2
I have the Tamron and a similar focal range, but not identically labeled Sigma. The Tamron is a very recent model and reviews have rated it from "almost as good" to "slightly better" compared to the Canon 70-300, so it's a pretty good lens. I upgraded to the Tammy to get better stabilization and faster focusing for airshows. It should do great for your outdoor shots. I don't think your Sigma is stabilized at all, judging from the model number. Neither is going to be ideal for the indoor event, though. Depends on how much light is available at the events as to whether you can get it to do the job acceptably.

Message edited by author 2012-01-24 09:09:12.
 01/24/2012 09:19:16 AM · #3
As a former Nikon D50, D40, D5000, D200 and now D300s owner... I will just say this. If you can at all help it, sell - save - whatever you have to do to get GOOD glass. For the kind of shooting you are talking about the exact lens you need is a Nikon 70-200mm F/2.8 VR or VRII. I realize we are all on a budget, and that's why I saved, and sold until I could afford mine and I can't tell you how amazing it is compared to my Nikon 18-200mm VR (which I sold for part of the funds for the 70-200). Both the lenses you listed are minimum f4, add a filter (depending on quality) and you could be talking worse than that... so giving yourself the low light capability of the f2.8 professional sport lens is a must if you are planning on shooting sports especially indoors. I sold all my kit/superzoom, and my other camera... and saved a bit more to get my 70-200 f/2.8 so I know it's possible :) GOOD LUCK!
 01/24/2012 10:45:14 AM · #4
as a counter to the above there is no real loss in upgrading along the way as opposed to straight saving, buy a lens and use it and when you get more money sell the lens and buy a better one. if you buy a used lens you will probably be able to sell it for almost what you paid for it, assuming you take care of it.

why hold off for better glass later when you get get decent glass now that will hold most of its value when it comes time to sell?
 01/24/2012 11:20:59 AM · #5
Hence "a former Nikon D50, D40, D5000, D200 and now D300s owner" I didn't even list the lenses I had/used/liked, I definatley do exactly as you described. The difference between liked and LOVE you find when you say F it and go for the good glass, just saying.. I know we all will upgrade till we get there... I'm just sharing that when you do get the good glass you wish you had gotten it long ago.
Originally posted by mike_311:
as a counter to the above there is no real loss in upgrading along the way as opposed to straight saving, buy a lens and use it and when you get more money sell the lens and buy a better one. if you buy a used lens you will probably be able to sell it for almost what you paid for it, assuming you take care of it.

why hold off for better glass later when you get get decent glass now that will hold most of its value when it comes time to sell?
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